World's Biggest Fish Fry Festival

The World’s Biggest Fish Fry revolves around fried catfish dinners (12,000 pounds to be exact), parades, dancing, rodeo nights, carnival rides, fishing and more.

The World's Biggest Fish Fry invites you to the Headquarters Grand Opening! Join us on Saturday, March 30th at 10 am for the Grand Opening on 219 Tyson Avenue.

This long-standing spring celebration began as “Mule Day” in 1938. After Kentucky Lake was formed, it became the World's Biggest Fish Fry, a celebration of fishing, food and friends!

The goal of this favorite festival? Making sure every guest goes home well fed and happy. If you didn’t grow up around the delicacy of catfish, a platter served in the “Fish Tent” might seem overwhelming. The generous portions include farm-raised catfish fried to perfection, hushpuppies, coleslaw, beans, French fries piled high and a cold drink to wash it all down.

Schedule:

5pm-8:30pm - Hushpuppy Toss

The World’s Biggest Fish Fry Tent Isn’t Officially Open Until the Hostess Princess Tosses the First Hushpuppy! This Deep-fried Cornbread Treat is Pitched High in the Air by the Hostess Princess to Her Happily Waiting Family. After the First Toss, the Fish Fry Tent is Officially Open, Serving All You Can Eat Catfish Dinners.

5pm-9pm - Fish Tent

This is What You’ve Been Waiting for: the Mouth-watering, All-you-can-eat Catfish Dinner at the Fish Tent. Yes, We Know It’s Not Really a Tent, It’s a Building. But Back in the Day, This Fabulous Meal Was Served in an Enormous, Canvas Tent, So in the Name of Nostalgia (and Southerners Love Nostalgia) We Call It a Tent.

After Purchasing a Ticket for Your Catfish Dinner With All the Trimmings, Hop in Line and Entertain Yourself With the Artwork of Local Children. The Walls Are Decorated With Hundreds of Colored Posters of Catfish Enjoying the Carnival, Riding a Bucking Bull at the Rodeo, or Swimming to the Catfish Races.

5pm-8:30pm - Arts and Crafts Show

Immerse Yourself in a Vibrant Showcase of Handmade Wonders Where Talented Artisans Bring Their Unique Creations to Life. From Intricately Crafted Jewelry to Stunning Paintings, There’s Something for Every Art Enthusiast.

5pm-11pm - Carnival

The World’s Biggest Fish Fry Carnival Helps Foster a Sense of Community Engagement, Allowing Locals to Invite Friends and Family From Outside of Paris to Enjoy the Festivities.

7pm-8:45pm - Christian Concert

Dance Your Cares Away at One of the World’s Biggest Fish Fry Dances!

The Kick-off Street Dance, Country Dance, and Christian Dance All Feature Live Bands; Delicious Food; and an Opportunity to Show Off Your Best Dance Moves. These Are More Than Dance Parties, They’re a Celebration of Our Community Spirit and Country Roots.

Date: April 20,22-28, 2024